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Hot Gossip Archive - August 7, 2007
| Sponsored Doggy Paddle Across the Dordogne |
| SUCCESS! We did it and thanks to all those who so generously sponsored us, we are pretty certain that we will have substantially exceeded our target of 1000 euros. Which means that you have helped us save the lives of at least 10 dogs at the SPA, who would otherwise have been euthanized. Thank you – from them - and from us all at Phoenix. |
 It was pretty much a perfect day, apart from the fact that, after some heavy rain this week, the Dordogne was flowing a little faster than we had anticipated. We reckon that it’s about 125 metres wide at the moment and whilst it’s quite shallow at the edges, it is deep in the middle and there was quite a strong current. A couple of members of the team decided that it was too risky for them and one acted as semi-official photographer and another as dog-minder. The problem was that it was almost impossible to hang on to some of the dogs as they saw their owners wading out. This is a bedraggled Hector, a one-eyed poodle with a fractured skull, who was rescued 4 years ago by Chris Rexworthy and Christine Dumper, being returned to dry land by Christine. |
 Michael Smart was the first to wade out to the middle of the river, where he found that the current whisked him off his feet, so that he was forced to start a very strong doggy paddle indeed. As it was, he found that he was swept about 30 metres downstream before he could get across in more or less a straight line. (Don’t worry, we did have a qualified life saver on hand!). The rest of the team – Rik and Sheelagh, Roger, Stuart, Chris and Christine were swift to follow and the band of Phoenix supporters on dry land watched anxiously. One by one they reached dry land on the other side and once they’d recovered their breath, they started on their equally perilous return. As they began to near the beach at Limeuil there were cries (and barks!!) of encouragement from the supporters. But we were getting a bit worried about Rik who seemed to going sideways rather faster than forwards. The team were so jubilant with their success that they were celebrating a little prematurely without him!
And then they realised that they were 6, rather than 7. “Come in Number 7,” we all shouted to Rik and eventually he made it, much to our relief, and no doubt his own as well. |
 From there it was plain paddling and we all began to cheer our valiant team. But it was not over. |
 Just as they were beginning to shiver, Phil and Tiffany arrived and announced that they were going to be a second team. And, against all the rules, they were accompanied by rescue dog, Roxanne, who would not leave Phil’s side and she made it across the river and back. |
 So, congratulations to the 2 teams and Roxanne and thank you to the support party on the river bank where we all finally relaxed to enjoy a picnic. |
 But perhaps the last word – or picture - should be left to Polly – one of the puppies we managed to save. It was her first real day out from a life in a condemned cell behind bars and, as you can see below, she just loved it. She’ll be ready for adoption shortly, so do take a look at her and some of her friends on the website. They’re all looking for kind and caring owners and if you are interested, then just give us a call. |
| Great stuff – and we’ve already got one or two ideas up our sleeves for next year – so watch this space! Thank you again for your support from all at Phoenix. |
Association Loi 1901
Siège Social: Les Jabauds, 24380 Vergt
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Telephone: (33) 5 53 54 94 81
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